GigaByte GA-MA69GM-S2H Desktop Motherboard - AMD 690G Chipset - Socket AM2 PGA-940

Good choice for HTPC builds

Strengths: Wide variety of ports (HDMI, DVI, spdif, analog surround, plus component video bracket), straightforward installation

Weakness: SATA ports parallel to board, inferior DDR2 arrangement of RAM

I bought this board to use with the Antec NSK2480 case. Overall it has been a good buy. Currently running Linux/MythTV and no issues so far. HDMI and spdif ports give a great HTPC experience. Manual was detailed and helpful, especially for my first build. Main issue was that SATA ports are parallel to the board, and ran into the side of my case -- remedied this by using 90-degree connectors. DDR2...

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GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H Micro ATX MB

Strengths: DVI and HDMI on board, 4 sata, good overcloking menu,2 cds: one for Vista one for XP

Weakness: Sata connections are strange (parralell)

I got this MB for my HTPC project. I was looking for a MB for sometime and came across this Gigabyte. With Amd 5000 black edition and OCZ memory this board rocks, very stable, no problem so far. Had some difficulties installing hard drives, since Sata connectors are parallel, instead of being perpendicular. The manual is very informative, also I like that it came with 2 installation cds, for...

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a good 690G MB for HTPC

Strengths: expandability, lots of multimedia ports

Weakness: limited OC options

I have been looking for an AMD motherboard with integrated video. This gigabyte board is definitely one of the best. There are enough PCIe/PCI and memory slots (well, for a microATX). The rear I/O panel is also full of connection ports, but can be better with eSATA.

Screams HTPC !

Strengths: Video Ports - HDMI, DVI, VGA, S-Video, Component On Board High Def Audio Stable HDCP Compliant Good Layout Lots of USB ports Price

Weakness: Supports only DDR2 memory AMD 690G is about become legacy Video Overscan Limited OC No eSata HMDI 1.2

Nothing screams HTPC like this one. Loaded with all type of video, audio, USB, sata and other ports. Very easy to install and well laid out MB. Pretty stable so far. For the street price, this is the one to beat. Cons: Had to manually fix the overscan on my TV. I had the lower the resolution a bit from 1920X1080 in the video settings to fit the display on my TV. HDMI input on TV has to be active...

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GAMA69GMS2H Motherboard

Strengths: good overclocker with right bios

Weakness: Bios overclocking options

In order to adjust voltage and memory options in bios had to search web for 3a and 4a updates. These are not offered on manufacturer website. Running 3.4GHZ with AM2 5000+ BE. Location of sata ports could be problem with some cases. I did not have problem in Apevia SFF cube type case.

Surprising Board for the Price

Strengths: HPTC, comes bundled with several usefull software packages. So far its been a strong stable board despite the awesome price.

Weakness: I got 4-4-4-12 RAM but the motherboard ran it at 5-5-5-15. The angle of the SATA connectors could cause difficulties for some, instead of being perpindicular to the board, they lay across it.

The ram issue can be overcome if you can find a beta bios and set the RAM voltage higher. Currently works with an Athlon 64 6400 and an EVGA 8800 GT video card, no glitches.

HTPC builders look here.

Strengths: Great for overclocking, plenty of connections, HDMI. The features seem almost endless.

Weakness: sata port arrangement can make installation interesting, depending on your case layout.

I used this with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition overclocked to 3.0ghz and its stable as can be. Fitment was tough in my Antec NSK due to the sata ports, although I was able to use the 90* sata cables. The manual was great although the circles in the diagrams are vague. If I decide to build another HTPC, this will be my first choice.

Motherboard that suits HTPC

Strengths: Solid performance, have plenty of connections including HDMI and DVI for monitor, HD-audio, 2 PCI, 1 PCI x1 and, 1 PCI x16

Weakness: 4 internal SATA ports are located horizontally, which makes them extremely difficult if not possible to access from small case like Antec HTPC NSK 2480.

I pair this Gigabyte motherboard with Antec NSK 2480 for HTPC purposes. One major point for this motherboard is having the 4 SATA internal ports located horizonally on the edge. Either users have to make rooms of the case by cutting the hold where all SATA ports needed to be connected, or using left-angle SATA cable (on TOP two SATA ports) before mounting the board on the case -- it is very poor...

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Reasonable Upgrade

Strengths: Vista Compatible, Contains most if not all peripheral ports, and Simple, easy upgrade.

Weakness: None really.

Purchased this product to rebuild my wife computer which was having to many issues- drivers, hardwares, and software. Built was simple and painless. Did not have to install many (if any) drivers-the Vista drivers were fine and worked perfectly. Was able to use most of the previous hardware. Good Experience! 5200 AMD processor, 3GB Kingston 6400 Ram, 3 SATA Seagate hard drives(160gb,320gb,400gb),...

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Great HTPC and OC-Friendly MB

Strengths: Rock solid with the right firmware for OC, and feature-rich for HTPC build.

Weakness: SATA connector layout can be tricky depending on case chosen, and Northbridge chips runs hot.

Went thru every possible HTPC suitable MB, and settled on Abit GA-MA69GM-S2H, due to overwhelming positive accolade and rapport on avsforum. Features are too numerous to name, some of which include DVI/VG/HDMI/S-video/Component output, DTS optical out (with coaxial/optical in/out optional), and legacy LPT/floppy interface still supported internally. Besides, enthusiast would also find a treasure...

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